Medical panel confirms Daisy Forrest unfit for trial, Court orders release

Daisy Forrest responded to every question posed with “I don’t know” or “I can’t remember,” indicating her inability to participate meaningfully in legal proceedings 

By Bhagya Silva  

The Colombo High Court Judge Udesh Ranatunga yesterday ordered the release of Daisy Forrest, an accused in a case involving allegations of unlawful acquisition of assets valued at over Rs. 70 million, including ownership of property, citing that she was not mentally fit to stand trial.  

Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara, appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, informed the court that a medical panel had recommended that the second accused, Daisy Forrest, is not mentally fit to face trial. He explained that the panel comprised the Chief Judicial Medical Officer, several psychiatrists, several physicians and a specialist in emergency treatment. The panel reported that Daisy Forrest responded to every question posed with “I don’t know” or “I can’t remember,” indicating her inability to participate meaningfully in legal proceedings.  

The DSG noted that medical reports confirmed that the accused was incapable of participating in legal proceedings or instructing her attorneys to prepare a defense due to her mental condition. Consequently, the court directed that she be released from the case.  

The DSG also took steps to amend the first charge in the indictment. As a result, two individuals previously entrusted with the management of properties belonging to Forrest, including land, were named as witnesses in the petition.  

Meanwhile, the trial against the first accused, Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, is scheduled to resume, with a pre-trial conference set for March 27.  

The court also directed that the two witnesses entrusted with the management of the second accused’s properties appear in court on March 27.